US Priest Accused Of Having Sex With Teen Stripper, Paying Nearly $400,000 In Hush Money

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Jones said the relationship began in 2009 when she was 17 years old and working at a strip club Sullivan regularly visited
A 61-year-old Catholic priest in Alabama is under investigation after being accused of having a sexual relationship with a stripper and paying her nearly $400,000 to keep silent about it.
Robert Sullivan, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood, Alabama, was accused by Heather Jones, now 33.
Jones said the relationship began in 2009 when she was 17 years old and working at a strip club Sullivan regularly visited. She claimed he offered financial support in exchange for 'private companionship," which included sex, The Guardian reported.
Jones described how Sullivan, who initially introduced himself as a doctor, frequently took her shopping, dining, drinking, and to hotels in at least six cities across Alabama over several years. She also said he bought her a phone and paid for her rehab treatment while she struggled with addiction and depression.
In 2024 and 2025, Jones alleged that Sullivan paid her nearly $120,000 through more than 125 Venmo transactions. In addition, she received $273,000 through two wire transfers of $136,500 each from an attorney's office as part of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Jones shared bank records, an email from Sullivan's church address, and a copy of the unsigned NDA to support her claims. She came forward because she fears others could be vulnerable to similar exploitation, as Sullivan continues to work closely with families and children in his parish.
The Catholic Diocese of Birmingham confirmed that Sullivan has been placed on 'personal leave" while an independent review board investigates the allegations. The diocese has also forwarded the matter to the Vatican's office that handles clergy misconduct cases.
Bishop Steven Raica, leader of the Birmingham Diocese, said there was not enough evidence to open a criminal investigation, but a diocesan inquiry is ongoing in line with Church law and policies. He also assured that the woman has received appropriate support from the diocese's Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Sullivan has served as a priest for more than 32 years and was previously president of John Carroll High School for six years.
The case remains under review, and Sullivan is barred from public ministry until the investigation concludes.
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